The IFTF is in its second day today and the atmosphere is positive - even at the rose growers, who are in particular dealing with a challenging year. When walking down the aisles, we do not hear complaints, but we see the rose growers taking steps to diversify themselves. They are not doing this by introducing new and different rose varieties, but many also took the decision to add different crops to their assortment.
Over the years, the global production acreage of roses increased and now it seems to have reached a point that the market is over-flooded. The decision to start trialing and growing new and different crops also opens new doors for growers. Making bouquets at source, for example. Over the last years, the labor costs in Europe and the UK increased significantly, so the demand for making bouquets at source increased. As the growers can grow and make their own bouquets, the flowers are handled less times and are therefore fresher.
At the IFTF, the growers are proudly presenting their new products and the products that they are trialing to see if there is a demand for it. In total, nearly 300 exhibitors, mainly consisting of breeders, growers and suppliers of machines and techniques, are presenting their products and services at the Expo Haarlemmermeer in Vijfhuizen. Many visitors will combine their IFTF visit with a visit to the Flora Holland Trade Fair in Aalsmeer - a fair that offers space to growers of the Royal FloraHolland auction, breeders, the trade, and to a certain extent suppliers of products of added value to the floriculture industry.
The FloralDaily team is present to make a photo report of the show. The entire photo report will be published on Monday, November 11, but below already a preview.
Seth Ruingu and Ranjit of Aquila Flowers who are supplying bouquets for 2 years now. This Kenyan farm is satisfied with the demand for it.
Bas Broeders of Farm Direct and Ivan Salazar of Naranjo Roses. This Ecuadorian farm lately started supplying preserved roses. Now with their joint venture with Fresh Direct, they will also have stock in the Netherlands.
The team of Elgon Collections. This Kenyan rose farm is now also testing other crops like alstroemeria, statice, limonium and raffine. They will make the bouquets at the farm.
The team of Credible Blooms. Currently, this Kenyan rose farm is buying fillers from other farms to make bouquets, but they will soon make bouquets with their own fillers as they are trialing new fillers as well. They will also start producing avocados next year.